On Election Night, Stacey Abrams held a watch party at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Atlanta. With Abrams seeking to become the first Black female governor in America, a slew of politicians, celebrities and fans joined her to give support.

While they waited for the election results, a number of Abrams’ high-profile supporters took to the stage to keep the crowd motivated and inspired as night turned to morning and Abrams’ race against Republican opponent Brian Kemp remained too close to call.

They included Keisha Lance Bottoms, who spoke about her journey to becoming Atlanta’s mayor in 2017 and defeating Mary Norwood in a tight race.

“I’m excited about Stacey Abrams becoming our next governor because she knows what it’s like to have parents who work and serve so that we are able to become who we are today,” Bottoms told the audience.

Congressman John Lewis inspired the audience after early numbers from the polls showed Kemp with a substantial lead. “We must win, be hopeful and optimistic,” Lewis said. “There are votes out there, they just need to be counted. The vote is the most nonviolent instrument, and we must use it.”

A.R. Shaw is an author and journalist who documents culture, politics, and entertainment. He has covered The Obama White House, the summer Olympics in London, and currently serves as Lifestyle Editor for Rolling Out magazine. Follow his journey on Twitter @arshaw and Instagram @arshaw23.